Southport Hall is site for special fundraiser

A fundraiser for a local child born with an extremely rare disorder will be held this weekend. Family and friends of 19-month-old Lucy Cancienne of Metairie said the fundraiser will be held on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Southport Hall, 200 Monticello Ave., Old Jefferson.

A fundraiser for 19-month-old Lucy Cancienne of Metairie said the fundraiser will be held on Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. at Southport Hall, 200 Monticello Ave., Old Jefferson. Cancienne has been diagnosed with Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS), an extremely rare auto-immune disorder that is caused by a cancerous tumor or virus.

Debbie Feraci, one of the organizers of the fundraiser, said Lucy was diagnosed four months ago with Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS), a rare auto-immune disorder that is caused by a neuroblastoma, which is a cancerous tumor or virus. The chances of being diagnosed with this syndrome is a one in 10 million.

At diagnosis, Lucy was no longer able to walk, crawl or sit on her own. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this disease and her lengthy and costly treatment is being coordinated in Springfield, IL. This necessitates trips to Illinois for evaluation.

Lucy is the twin daughter of Stephanie and Phil Cancienne of Metairie. Her mother is an occupational therapist at Ochsner Hospital and her father is a member of the Louisiana National Guard who has had one tour of duty in Iraq.

Lucy’s twin sister is Grace.

Tickets to the March 25 benefit are $40 per person and includes food and an open bar. Live entertainment will be provided by the band Weathered.

A raffle and silent auction will also be held. Items offered include autographed Saints football, a weekend at a French Quarter condo, four tickets to Hornets and L.A. Lakers game, various salon gift certificates, a weekend stay at fishing camp, original local works of art and two VIP tickets to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

To obtain tickets prior to the event on March 25, call Allison Kruebee at 504.388.2366, Katie Kirzner at 504.908.9420 or Tina Dares at 504.258.9377.